Hematology, Transfusion and Cell Therapy (Apr 2024)
EPIDEMIOLOGICAL ANALYSIS OF HOSPITAL ADMISSIONS FOR HODGKIN'S DISEASE IN BRAZIL: 2013-2023
Abstract
Introduction/Justification: Lymphomas are neoplasms originating from lymphoid tissue, with Hodgkin's Disease (HD) being noteworthy. HD manifests in two primary types: classical Hodgkin's lymphoma and Nodular lymphocyte-rich lymphoma. The classical types are identified by Reed-Sternberg multinucleated cells, subdivided as nodular sclerosis, mixed cellularity, lymphocyte-rich, and lymphocyte-depletion. The development of HD is linked to various factors, including genetic predisposition, immunosuppression, autoimmune diseases, and exposure to carcinogens. Clinical symptoms commonly observed include pruritus, intermittent fever, nocturnal hyperhidrosis, and lymphadenopathy. Differential diagnosis plays a crucial role in HD identification since clinical symptoms may resemble various other medical conditions, including other lymphoma forms, viral or bacterial infections, and autoimmune diseases, emphasizing the importance of biopsy and thorough investigation. Epidemiological analysis of HD plays a pivotal role in early diagnosis and the implementation of appropriate therapies aiming for eventual patient remission. Objectives: To analyze hospitalization data within the Brazilian Unified Health System (SUS), estimating disease incidence across different regions, demographic disparities, treatment costs, and mortality, aiming to provide insights for public health policies to improve management and access to healthcare services for HD patients within the SUS context. Materials and Methods: A retrospective study using data from the Department of Health Informatics of SUS (DATASUS) from 2013 to 2023. Data included total hospitalizations, region, age, gender, race, deaths, mortality rate, and average hospitalization cost. Results: Brazil recorded 53,297 HD-related hospitalizations from 2013 to 2023. Geographical distribution revealed the Southeast region accounted for the majority of cases (47.64%), followed by the Northeast (24.74%) and South (17.29%). Males comprised the majority of hospitalizations (55.56%), with females representing 44.43%. Regarding race, whites accounted for 43.84% of hospitalizations, followed by mixed race individuals (37.52%). Hospitalizations were most common among individuals aged 20-29 (24.90%), followed by age groups 15-19 (14.85%) and 30-39 (14.34%). There were 2,149 deaths during this period, corresponding to a mortality rate of 4.03%. Based on the average value per hospitalization in SUS, a total of R$135,694,694.97 was spent. Conclusion: The epidemiological study reveals a higher incidence of Hodgkin's Disease in the Southeast region, predominantly among males in the age group between 20-29, along with a mortality rate of 4.03% among the hospitalized. These findings emphasize the public health challenge of HD and the need for comprehensive strategies, including awareness campaigns, screening programs, and improved diagnostic and treatment capabilities. Understanding HD epidemiology is crucial for effective resource allocation and improved clinical outcomes.
